Choosing wireless earbuds used to be relatively straightforward. Today’s models can offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), long battery life, and features that make switching between phones, laptops, and other devices easier.
The difficult part is figuring out which features are actually useful. Sony, Bose, Apple, and other manufacturers have packed their latest earbuds with increasingly sophisticated technology, but the most expensive pair isn’t necessarily the right one for every listener. A comfortable fit, reliable connection, and decent battery life can be more valuable than another audio feature that only works with certain phones.
Our selections draw on Digital Trends’ hands-on reviews, independent testing, and product research. We’ve included premium flagships, affordable alternatives, and specialized models for workouts, open-ear listening, and sleeping.
Battery figures are manufacturer claims for a single charge, not standardized Digital Trends test results. They exclude charging-case capacity. Actual runtime varies with volume, Bluetooth codec, and enabled features. Water-resistance ratings refer to the earbuds unless otherwise specified.
Sony’s WF-1000XM6 take over from the WF-1000XM5, bringing improvements to noise cancellation, sound, and microphone performance without abandoning the features that made the older model such a versatile pair of earbuds.
Sony has redesigned the drivers and increased the number of microphones to four per earbud. Independent testing by SoundGuys found improvements in ANC, sound, and call quality. That doesn’t automatically make them a worthwhile upgrade for someone who’s already happy with the XM5, though.
The XM6 support LDAC on compatible Android devices, alongside AAC, SBC, and LC3. Bluetooth Multipoint handles connections to two devices at once, while Sony’s Sound Connect app offers an adjustable equalizer and other ways to tailor the listening experience.
Sony claims up to eight hours of listening with ANC enabled, or 12 hours with it off. Switching to LDAC with ANC brings the claimed runtime down to five hours. That’s a worthwhile trade-off to consider before leaving every audio setting switched on.
Fit is harder to judge from a specification sheet. Sony has changed the shape, which may work better for some ears, but the XM6 are larger than the XM5 and won’t suit everyone.
The $329.99 launch price is another reason not to dismiss the older model. The WF-1000XM5 could still make sense at a substantial discount, especially if the newer microphones and ANC improvements aren’t priorities.
There are plenty of earbuds with ANC. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are for listeners who put blocking out background noise near the top of the shopping list.
Their cancellation is particularly effective against the steady sounds of aircraft cabins, public transportation, and busy offices. Bose’s CustomTune technology adjusts the listening experience to the characteristics of the wearer’s ears, and the included silicone eartips and stability bands provide several ways to find a comfortable, secure fit.
Bose has also addressed some of the original model’s shortcomings. Wireless charging is included this time, sound and call quality have improved, and the ANC processing has been refined to respond better to sudden loud sounds.
Music gets a full-bodied presentation, with Bose Immersive Audio available for listeners who want a spatial effect. Compatible Android devices can use aptX Adaptive, too.
The trade-off is battery life. Bose claims six hours per charge with ANC, or four hours when Immersive Audio is enabled. The case supplies three additional charges, bringing the standard total to 24 hours.
Auracast support is missing as well. Anyone interested in Bluetooth’s newer shared-audio features should bear that in mind.
The Technics EAH-AZ100 have plenty of features, but their sound is the reason to pay attention.
Technics uses magnetic fluid drivers designed to reduce distortion and improve clarity. Our review found that the AZ100 bring out subtle details in music without pushing everything toward an overly analytical presentation.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. Technics made the AZ100 smaller than the earlier EAH-AZ80, and their lighter build is easier to live with during longer listening sessions.
They also offer ANC, customizable touch controls, wireless charging, and a companion app with plenty of settings. Their standout convenience feature is Bluetooth Multipoint: the AZ100 can stay connected to three devices simultaneously, rather than the two supported by most competitors.
Codec support includes LDAC, AAC, SBC, and LC3. Compatible Android devices can access Auracast broadcasts, although iPhone users can’t use that functionality through iOS.
With AAC and ANC, Technics claims up to 10 hours per charge and 28 hours including the case. Higher-quality codecs and additional features can shorten those figures.
For someone regularly moving between a phone, laptop, and tablet, the three-device connection is a practical bonus. There’s less need to disconnect one device just to hear something on another.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 replace the AirPods Pro 2 in this guide. The updates cover sound, noise cancellation, fit, and battery life, rather than relying on a single headline feature.
Apple has redesigned the acoustic architecture and changed the in-ear shape for a more secure fit. Digital Trends’ review found a wider, more detailed listening experience and noise cancellation that’s particularly effective against everyday background sounds.
Transparency mode is still one of the most useful things about the AirPods. Conversations and surrounding sounds come through naturally, so a quick exchange doesn’t always require taking them out.
There’s more here than music and calls. The Pro 3 include a heart rate sensor for workouts, hearing-related functionality, personalized Spatial Audio, and Find My integration.
The catch is familiar to anyone who’s used AirPods with a non-Apple phone. Android devices can connect over Bluetooth, but many of the features that help justify the price require compatible Apple hardware and software.
Apple claims eight hours of listening with ANC enabled and 24 hours total with the case. Both the earbuds and case have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance.
A pair of earbuds can sound terrific at a desk and become a nuisance halfway through a run. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 address the problem with adjustable ear hooks designed to stay put when things get sweaty.
Physical buttons are another sensible choice. They’re easier to operate during exercise than touch controls, particularly when hands are damp. The earbuds also include ANC and transparency mode.
Beats has added heart rate monitoring. Digital Trends’ reviewer compared the sensor with a Garmin Epix 2 and Apple Watch Series 10 and found broadly consistent readings during testing.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 work with iOS and Android, although the available features differ. Apple users get tighter ecosystem integration, while the Beats Android app provides settings and heart rate functionality.
Sound is satisfying, with punchy bass and clear upper frequencies. The ANC is useful, too, even if it doesn’t isolate noise as effectively as Apple’s AirPods Pro or Bose’s premium earbuds.
Battery life reaches eight hours with ANC, or up to 36 hours when the case is included. That case supports USB-C and wireless charging, but there’s no getting around its size. It’s bulkier than most conventional earbud cases.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC originally launched at $100, yet they include features that used to require spending considerably more.
ANC was one of the surprises in Digital Trends’ review. It does a good job of reducing background noise, and the Soundcore app offers both adaptive cancellation and manual adjustments for different surroundings.
There’s plenty of control over the sound, too. The app includes an eight-band equalizer, presets, and Soundcore’s HearID system for building a personalized profile. The earbuds themselves deliver a balanced presentation with substantial bass.
Android users can turn on LDAC for higher-bitrate Bluetooth audio, but there’s a catch: doing so disables Multipoint and reduces battery life. Connecting to two devices at once may be the more useful option for day-to-day listening.
The Liberty 4 NC also support wireless charging and carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating. Anker claims eight hours with ANC and 40 hours total with the case. Turning ANC off raises those figures to 10 and 50 hours, respectively.
The transparency mode isn’t as natural as those on premium competitors, and the fit may not be secure enough for vigorous workouts. Those compromises are easier to accept at this end of the market.
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are the result of a collaboration with Bose, and the family resemblance goes beyond their appearance.
Silicone eartips and stability bands give them a secure fit similar to Bose’s premium earbuds. More surprisingly, Digital Trends’ review found their sound remarkably close to the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds when both were connected to an iPhone. There’s weight behind the bass, detail in the vocals, and plenty of energy in the upper frequencies.
Bluetooth Multipoint, wear detection, and adjustable settings in Skullcandy’s SkullIQ app round out the feature list.
The Bose connection doesn’t mean the Method 360 ANC inherit flagship-grade noise cancellation. They don’t block as much background sound as the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and wind can interfere with the cancellation system.
The sliding charging case is another sticking point. It’s bulky, less convenient than a conventional clamshell design, and doesn’t support wireless charging.
Battery life is more generous: Skullcandy claims nine hours with ANC enabled and 32 hours total with the case.
Not everyone likes silicone eartips. Apple’s AirPods 5 retain the familiar open-fit design while offering a less expensive route into Apple’s current earbud lineup.
Launched in September 2026, the AirPods 5 have an updated acoustic architecture and improved ANC. Apple claims they remove up to 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
Because there’s no silicone seal inside the ear canal, the fit may feel less intrusive. It also provides less passive isolation, and the effectiveness of ANC depends partly on how well the fixed shape sits in each ear.
Both AirPods 5 versions include ANC. The $149 Wireless Charging Case model adds wireless charging, on-stem swipes for volume control, and longer battery life compared with the $129 standard version.
Apple claims five hours with ANC and 22 hours total with the wireless-charging case. The standard version is rated for four hours and 20 hours, respectively.
The AirPods 5 have an IP57 rating and support features such as Adaptive Audio, personalized Spatial Audio, and Live Translation on compatible devices.
The AirPods Pro 3 remain the better fit for listeners who want a stronger seal and more adjustable eartips. The AirPods 5 serve a different preference rather than simply being cheaper Pros.
Google made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and that change is immediately relevant to anyone who found the earlier pair cumbersome.
Digital Trends’ reviewer found the new model comfortable and easy to handle. The touch controls are intuitive, including swipe gestures for volume.
Google’s Tensor A1 chip handles noise cancellation and other audio processing. ANC reduces everyday distractions, while transparency mode makes nearby conversations easier to hear without removing the earbuds.
Hands-free Gemini access is a major part of the Pixel experience. Multipoint lets the earbuds stay connected to two devices, and Google’s device-finding features help when one goes missing.
Sound is well-balanced and enjoyable, although there’s no support for higher-bitrate codecs such as LDAC or aptX. Spatial audio is also more limited than Apple’s implementation with AirPods.
Google claims eight hours with ANC and 30 hours total with the case. The earbuds are rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, while the case carries an IPX4 rating.
Samsung has given the Galaxy Buds4 Pro plenty of audio features, but some of their most interesting capabilities are reserved for compatible Galaxy devices.
The redesigned earbuds have silicone tips, a metal-accented stem, and a charging case with a translucent cover. Unlike the standard Galaxy Buds4, the Pro model seals the ear canal, providing passive isolation alongside ANC.
Inside is a two-way speaker arrangement with separate amplifiers. Samsung also includes adaptive audio processing and a nine-band equalizer. On compatible Galaxy hardware, its Seamless Codec supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
The Buds4 Pro will connect to other Bluetooth devices, but access to some audio and convenience features depends on the Samsung device and software being used. That’s worth checking before buying them for a non-Galaxy phone.
Adaptive ANC, transparency functionality, and voice-processing features for calls are included.
Samsung rates the battery for up to six hours with ANC and 26 hours total with the case. Turning ANC off increases those figures to seven and 30 hours. The earbuds also carry an IP57 rating, though that doesn’t make them suitable for swimming.
The Soundcore AeroFit 2 leave the ear canal unobstructed. Their speakers sit just outside the ear, so music and podcasts can play without sealing off surrounding sounds.
Getting the speaker position right makes a difference. The adjustable modules can be moved closer to the ear to improve bass response, and the flexible hooks accommodate different ear shapes.
Digital Trends’ reviewer wore the AeroFit 2 for extended periods, including with glasses, and found them comfortable. They also stayed secure during gym workouts.
Their sound is capable for an open-ear design, although bass and fine detail are more vulnerable to background noise than with conventional earbuds. That’s a limitation of the listening arrangement, not something an equalizer can fully solve.
The AeroFit 2 support Multipoint, wireless charging, and LDAC on compatible Android devices. An IP55 rating provides protection against dust and water jets, making them suitable for many everyday workouts.
Soundcore claims 10 hours per charge and 42 hours total with the case.
There’s no ANC, and wind can cause problems for the microphones during calls. These make more sense for a walk or a relatively quiet office than for listening on a noisy train.
Most earbuds aren’t designed with a pillow in mind. Their shape can become uncomfortable for side sleepers, even when they feel perfectly fine during the day.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 take a different approach, using a small, low-profile design and soft silicone tips intended to reduce pressure inside the ear overnight.
They don’t use active noise cancellation. Instead, passive isolation and noise-masking sounds help make environmental disturbances less noticeable. The Ozlo app offers sleep sounds and soundscapes, while Bluetooth streaming allows music, podcasts, and other audio from a phone.
The second-generation hardware refines the original Sleepbuds, which Digital Trends reviewed in 2024. Ozlo claims up to 14 hours per charge, compared with the original model’s claimed 10 hours, and says it has improved connectivity and the physical design.
Ozlo’s Sleep Patterns feature provides information about sleep and environmental conditions through the app and smart case. It isn’t exclusive to the Sleepbuds 2; first-generation owners received it through software updates.
A private in-ear alarm can wake one person without relying on a bedside alarm that might disturb someone else.
These aren’t everyday earbuds in miniature. They have no microphones for calls, and noise masking shouldn’t be mistaken for ANC. They’re also an expensive answer to a fairly specific need.
It’s easy to get distracted by lengthy feature lists. A few practical questions can narrow the choices considerably.
An uncomfortable pair of earbuds won’t become more appealing because its specifications look impressive.
Traditional in-ear models use silicone or foam tips to seal the ear canal. That seal helps with bass and noise isolation, so trying several tip sizes is worthwhile. The tips already attached to the earbuds aren’t necessarily the right ones.
Open-fit models, including the AirPods 5, don’t create the same seal. Open-ear designs such as the AeroFit 2 leave the ear canal unobstructed altogether.
Neither approach is universally more comfortable. Ear shape, intended use, and personal preference all matter.
ANC uses microphones and audio processing to reduce unwanted sound. It’s particularly useful against steady background noise from aircraft engines, air conditioning, and traffic.
Performance varies, and no pair eliminates every sound. The seal created by the eartips affects how much noise reaches the ear in the first place.
Transparency mode lets surrounding sounds pass through the earbuds’ microphones. It can make conversations and announcements easier to hear without removing them.
Open-ear earbuds generally don’t need a transparency mode because they don’t block the ear canal.
Battery figures depend on how the earbuds are used. Manufacturers often publish separate results with ANC on and off, while higher-bitrate codecs, spatial audio, and louder playback can shorten runtime.
Check whether a quoted figure refers to a single charge or includes the extra power stored in the case. The distinction can turn an apparently impressive number into a fairly ordinary one.
Six to eight hours per charge is a practical target for everyday listening, although specialized earbuds may make different compromises.
Wireless charging is handy, but fit and sound quality deserve more weight in the buying decision.
A Bluetooth codec determines how audio is transmitted from a phone, computer, or other source to the earbuds.
AAC is widely supported and especially relevant to Apple devices. LDAC and certain aptX variants can provide higher-bitrate audio with compatible Android hardware.
LC3 is associated with Bluetooth LE Audio, which can offer greater efficiency and other capabilities when both devices support it.
A higher-bitrate codec doesn’t guarantee better sound. Drivers, tuning, fit, and the quality of the source material still have a substantial influence.
Compatibility matters beyond audio, too. Apple, Samsung, and Google offer features that may be limited or unavailable on other platforms. It’s worth checking those requirements before paying extra for a feature that won’t work with the intended device.
An IP rating describes the protection a product has demonstrated against dust and water under specified test conditions.
IPX4 earbuds resist splashes, making them suitable for many workouts and light rain. IP54 adds dust protection, while IP57 provides the same dust-protection classification with greater water resistance, including temporary immersion under specified conditions.
Those ratings don’t make earbuds permanently waterproof. Resistance can deteriorate with wear, and earbuds shouldn’t be used for swimming or deliberately submerged unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
We consider sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, call performance, battery life, connectivity, and value. The intended use matters, too: the qualities that make earbuds useful for exercise aren’t necessarily the ones that make them suitable for sleeping.
Products with Digital Trends reviews link to that coverage where available. For newer recommendations without a standalone Digital Trends review, we use independent testing and verified product information rather than presenting them as products our team has personally tested.
The goal is to make the differences between these earbuds clear enough for readers to choose according to their listening habits, devices, and budgets.
Paulo Vargas is an English major turned reporter turned technical writer, with a career that has always circled back to technology. He got his start covering consumer tech as a journalist, writing about gadgets, apps, and the rise of Android when flashing custom ROMs was still a badge of honor. Over the years, his work has ranged from gadget reviews and magazine features to film criticism, small-press zines, and in-depth documentation for global software companies.
Today, Paulo focuses on making complex tools easier to use, whether that means turning technical features into clear guides or cutting through marketing fluff to show readers what really matters. Outside of writing, he spends his time playing modern pixel RPGs, but steers clear of first-person shooters since they make him nauseous. Besides, he’s always been more at home with words than crosshairs.
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